How To Manage Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

ADD and ADHD is not just a childhood problem.

By Paula Durlofsky

Attention Deficit Disorder is not just a childhood disorder. Adults with ADD/ADHD often have lives that are disorganized, chaotic, and out of control. Adults with ADD/ADHD bounce from one activity to another, experience difficulty staying focused and attending to necessary and daily mundane tasks. They have trouble keeping appointments, are forgetful, impulsive, and reactive in their behaviors and responses to others.

Adults with ADD/ADHD have similar signs and symptoms to that of children diagnosed with the same disorder. Adults struggling with ADD/ADHD commonly experience the following symptoms:

1.Difficulty staying focused and paying attention, such as when reading or listening to others.

2.Struggling to complete tasks, even ones that seem simple.

3.Have a tendency to overlook details, leading to errors or incomplete work.

Consequently, adults with ADD/ADHD often underachieve and find it difficult to reach their full potential.

They commonly experience long-term career difficulties and relationship problems. They are also vulnerable to having a co-diagnosis of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance abuse, all of which exacerbate, worsen, and complicate their original ADD/ADHD symptoms.

Self-Help for adults with ADD/ADHD

Many adults with ADD/ADHD have found effective ways to manage their symptoms and lead productive, satisfying, and meaningful lives.

1. Exercise and eat healthy foods. Avoid foods that have stimulating effects such as caffeine and sugar.

2. Get plenty of rest. Aim for getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

3. Work on maintaining your social relationships. Schedule time with family and friends. Maintaining social relationships can also prevent depression and feelings of social isolation.

4. Improve time management skills by setting deadlines for all your activities. Using timers and setting alarm clocks can be helpful for staying on track and remaining focused.

When to seek outside help for adult ADD/ADHD

If symptoms of ADD/ADHD persist despite self-help efforts, it is likely time to seek professional help. Therapy for adults with ADD/ADHD include the following treatment options:

1. Talk Therapy. This type of treatment can help individuals cope with the emotional issues that often co-exist with ADD/ADHD. Feelings of low self esteem, failure, embarrassment and shame can be resolved with psychodynamic-psychotherapy.

2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. This type of therapy examines the relationship between thoughts and behaviors. Many adults with ADD/ADHD suffer from depression, anxiety, and general feelings of demoralization stemming from years of unmet goals and expectations. Working on transforming negative thoughts can consequently produce positive outcomes and improve self-esteem. Cognitive-Behavioral therapy also focuses on educating adults with ADD/ADHD about practical strategies to improve their attention, executive functioning, work performance, and relationships.

3. Medications. Medications have been found to improve concentration and control impulsive behaviors associated with this disorder.

If you or a loved is struggling with symptoms of ADD/ADHD speak with a professional in order to be properly assessed and effectively treated. Adult ADD/ADHD is a treatable condition and when treated effectively one is able to live a satisfying and meaningful life.

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About This Blog

Dr. Durlofsky treats a wide variety of disorders and has a special interest in issues affecting women. She is affiliated with Bryn Mawr Hospital, Lankenau Hospital, the Women's Resource Center in Wayne, and the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia. In addition to her practice, Dr. Durlofsky is a workshop facilitator and blogger.